Jacksonville, AL – Students at Jacksonville State University will soon have a new opportunity to develop business and innovation skills through a new Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship program set to launch in Fall 2026.
The program received approval from the Alabama Commission on Higher Education during its March meeting and will be housed within Jax State’s College of Business and Industry. University officials say the degree is designed to help students learn how to launch businesses, grow organizations, and contribute to economic development in their communities.
In addition to offering a full undergraduate major, the program will provide flexible options for students across all disciplines. Undergraduate and graduate students will be able to pursue entrepreneurship-focused coursework through electives, microcredentials, and certificate programs without changing their primary field of study.
University officials noted that student interest in entrepreneurship has continued to grow in recent years, with more than 12 percent of incoming business majors expressing interest in the field. The program also aligns with workforce trends emphasizing innovation, adaptability, and business development.
The curriculum will build on Jax State’s AACSB-accredited business programs and focus heavily on experiential learning opportunities. Students will participate in activities such as pitch competitions, mentorship opportunities, and project-based coursework designed to help move business concepts from idea to execution.
“The Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship reflects the College of Business and Industry’s mission to deliver applied, high impact learning that prepares students to lead with integrity and innovation,” said Dr. Celestino Valentin, Head of the Lyons & Company, Inc. Department of Management and Marketing. “This program empowers students to transform ideas into sustainable ventures while making a meaningful impact on their organizations and communities.”
Valentin added that the program’s emphasis on experiential education will allow students to develop practical business skills through real-world projects and mentorship opportunities.
Dr. Carol Lucy, Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship & Management, said the program was intentionally designed to connect students with community engagement and real-world entrepreneurial experiences.
“My focus is to assist students who are interested in creating businesses that not only make money but make a significant difference in our society,” Lucy said. “The program is designed to offer multiple opportunities for community involvement including entrepreneurial mentors, partners, and entrepreneurs-in-residence options.”
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Christie Shelton said the program is intended to prepare students for a variety of career paths beyond starting their own businesses.
“At Jax State, we are focused on preparing students for what comes next,” Shelton said. “Entrepreneurship is not limited to starting a business—it is about recognizing opportunities, solving problems, and leading in any field. This program gives our students the ability to do that, no matter where their careers take them.”
The university said undergraduate students will have the option to complete a three-course sequence to earn a microcredential, while graduate students may complete a four-course sequence to receive a certificate in entrepreneurship.
Officials say the program is designed to make entrepreneurial education accessible across campus, including for students pursuing careers in healthcare, education, engineering, the arts, and other industries.
Jax State also expects the program to support regional economic development efforts by encouraging business creation, strengthening industry partnerships, and addressing workforce needs across Alabama.
As part of the program’s rollout, the university will continue promoting entrepreneurship initiatives through campus events, including the upcoming Gamecock Entrepreneurial Pitch Competition scheduled for April 11 in Merrill Hall. The event will be open to students, faculty, staff, and community members and will feature student-led business concepts in a competitive format.
For students interested in innovation, business creation, or applying entrepreneurial thinking within their careers, university officials say the new program will provide additional pathways to develop those skills beginning in 2026.
